As recommended by a fellow viewer here's the audio file of this comparison in FLAC file: mega.nz/file/oYcVGaCR#qXIp7P25A4a4CqiugeRdxPglrzuxnklQmBqPCyk10es Bitrate and sample rate were both aimed at YT standard, but I'll make hi-res recordings for future comparisons.
I own both speakers, and I go back and forth between them. I love them both, but they do different things for me. I tend to listen to Mahler symphonies and classic rock on the Klipschs because they sound a bit bigger and grander. But the KEFs are the better choice for most vocals and can be more forgiving of older recordings. Both sound good with jazz, although I will say I like the KEFs for pianos and strings, and the Klipschs for horns and drums. The KEFs are better built and image slightly better, but the Klipschs are - like so many say - more "live" sounding. If you give the KEFs a lot of power, the differences in dynamic response are less noticeable. I powered the KEFs with a 60 watt Adcom amp at first, and they sounded small and compressed. Now I power them with a 550 watt Emotiva amp, and they sound amazing! I'm not saying you need that much power, but I would try to give them at least 200 watts so that they have plenty of dynamic head room. If you think that sounds excessive, consider that the new LS-50 wireless II speakers are powered with internal amps totaling 380 watts per speaker! So clearly KEF thinks they need power. Both are amazing speakers, leagues beyond what was available at much higher price points just fifteen years ago. We are lucky to live at a time when truly high-end audio is so damn affordable! Celebrate the sound, my friends!
Considering the ls50 meta has just been released now is a good time to grab a second-hand pair of those beautiful looking/sounding ls50 originals! Thanks for taking the time for other people's enjoyment!
Listened through my dragonfly and meze headphones. Way more detail and realism at the high end from the Kef’s, but a fatter bass for the Klipsch. I added a heavy unported sub with my Ls50’s for a fatter bottom end and love the combo. Klipsch easier to drive with higher sensitivity. So therefore a better match to tube amps if one is going that route.
This is a great - and the right - way to A-B test two speakers. Most people change speakers between musical phrases. It is harder to discern differences that way than in this video where a change can happen in the middle of a phrase. Excellent job, thank you! I can immediately hear that my preference is for the KEF even though I have not fully analysed all the sonic qualities.
Ich besitze Klipsch 600,auf Lautsprecherständer mit Abstand ca. 70 cm von hintere und seitige Wände,betrieben mit SMSL AO 200 Amp und SMSL DAC M200 gebunden mit Audioquest XLR Red River.Nutze USB und BT(Ldac).Klang ist super obwohl der Klang mit EQ korrigiert habe,bei 1-2kHz um 2,5 db Mitte. erhoben.Ich höre mit Lautstärke die höchstens bis 25 (70 max)gefahren ist(1/3).Meine Raum ist ca. 20 m2 und Klang ist grandios-Elan,Speed und Drive mit enorme Details.Ich bin begeistert von Instrumente Trennung und kein Zisch -Effekt.Höre Music nur 16/44,1 bis 24/96 mit JRiver(USB Asio) Media Center 28 und Neutron Player (BT mit Ldac).Es ist grosse Genuss das Musik über meine Konstalation zu lauschen.Ich glaube das der Kef LS50 noch besser in Default klingt ,der kostet aber doppelt mehr.Mit EQ Korektur und 2 Woche Einbrenn-Zeit bin begeistert mit Preis-Leistung von meine komplette Konstalacion.Musik ganz sparsam(40W)mit DAP oder Tablett im Obereklasse zu erleben,habe mir nie so vorgestellt.Best Regards!
Both sounded dead even up until you got to track 4. Then you can hear that the Klipsch speakers sounded warmer, slightly less detailed. The bass was crisper and tighter sounding coming out of the KEF. So it just depends on the individual, some deem warmth to be superior to brightness, and vice versa. To each their own, they both sound great. For me, KEF wins even though I’m a total Klipsch fanatic; but I’m more into their larger older speakers from the 80’s and 90’s (FORTE II, KG4, KG5.5, etc). Happy listening 😎
Thank you so much for the sound demo between LS50 & RP-600M. It means a lot even if it is a YT video. I can understand the challenges to include some tracks with vocal presence but it is something what we need to hear as well. Very nice comparison though. Well appreciated...
Given the large perceived difference in midrange tonality, I would say they both have vowel colouration in the mids, though this may be mic placement or interconnect resonance. I have heard the KEF sound better on their side to give better lateral dispersion control and negate floor bounce.
I owned some LS50’s and I sold them I felt they were lacking bang for the buck. I now own some Monitor Silver 2 and love them with my Nad 356bee and a klipsch reference 12 sub and absolutely love the combo.I have some Rp600m’s on the way for a different flavor of sound and if they don’t sound as well as my monitors I will run them in my bedroom setup with a Yamaha receiver👍🏻
It's very difficult to find a song with vocals that's free for use in YT videos without the record company claiming rights on all revenue that video makes (and often block it in many countries too). So I stick to royalty-free songs like these ones. That said, I'll put some effort into finding at least a couple of free-to-use songs with nice vocals for future videos.
@@iiWiReviews Yea, i forgot about youtube will check the copyright for the songs. So it is tricky for youtuber to put music into their video. Anyway, keep up the good work.
I wish the klipsch had a matte finish. I hate to say but styling for me is almost as important as the sound. I mean it’s not terrible looking but I would look at it everyday and imagine if it had a better finish!
KEFs sound natural, the Klipsch sound like they have the mids "scooped" I have the klipsch and I have to say, they really bring the hi-hats to the front of the mix. I haven't given up on them yet, I think they just need a little softening with a tube amp or maybe even a little EQ.
placement is also a key factor with Klipsch. I have read that placing them straight, not beamed to the listener, but slightly away from it will give a better result as the treble will sound milder. I like both speakers for what they are and almost got the LS50 meta, but got the Wharfedale EVO 4.2 instead.
Yeah KEF digs into the microdetails a lil better the Klispch are much easier to drive though and the klispch have faster upper bass but not as much weight to the bass as the Kef but klispch can be driven by a 10 watt tube amp And Kef requires good power to sound proper thanks for the video !
Thank you for the demo. I did the same in store between the 2 models. Both are great sounding speakers. It’s just a matter of which is for you. In the end, I took home the LS50 Because for me, it’s a more revealing speaker. I will eventually get the Klipsh but will partner it with different electronics. I believe it would sound lovely with SET 300b or EL34 !
Very big thanks for this comparison! I find it really useful with all its limitations as well. I can clearly hear a different on a Vincent amp and a Klipsch RB-35 bookshelf speaker. Also on an AKG 712 headphones.
The Klipsch sound better to me. The KEF have a weightiness that is out of place...its like it is trying to hard. On come of the tracks is was pleasing; a deep mid bass that complimented the sound. the Klipsch were more effortless and did not cater to anything. The KEF are overly warm for my taste, the Klipsch are closer to being neutral - the cooler side neutral.
man thats a tough call. The Klipsch seems to give me better "brain tickles" can't explain it, especially on that last track. PLUS they are like half the price. May go with the Klipsch here for my first upgrade.
Ha, well... That was pointless. On my other system with Rega Naos and Rel powered subs the klipsch sounded hollowed out in the lower midrange. Upper bass didn't seem as full bodied. As for imaging, this doesn't help. This was fun. No substitute for an actual in room demo tho ;-)
I have both of these. Sold the RP600M. There’s a serious dip around 1.6-1.8k which sounds odd. For example, in Bryan Adams’ Unplugged MTV, there’s a track called “Cuts like a knife”, where the flute solo is almost inaudible. LS50 is less detailed and less impactful, but tonality more natural.
Get the Klipsch for your fronts in a surround sound and or if you’re using them for music without a sub. Or if you don’t like mids and want more highs and bass to mids ratio. If you want a more open and forward flat sounding vinyl record hi fi speaker, go with the ls50 meta’s. I’m using some Klipsch tower RP280F’s right now for my HIFI vinyl system with a Cambridge Audio Cxa81 solid state amp but will be replacing them with the meta speakers and a SVS sealed powered sub.
It's amazing how much these sound like the monitor audio bronze 2 with a bunch of reverb and a rather not-flat midrange forward voicing. I'm almost glad I can't afford them now:D
Liking the Klipsch more, but barely. These sound really close, but I can hear the KEF to me sounds like it looks. Everything coming from one speaker. It is closer than other KEF to Klipsch so far. I like these, but the separation is better to me with the Klipsch. More air, more space between the instruments.
Everybody is an audiophile expert on these things... but I truly think that if you were to take some of the most popular audiophile youtubers we all know here and blindfold them and let them rate all of the speakers the results would be laughable. What you SEE along with your BIASES coupled with knowing PRICES effect the mind far more than any of us would like to admit.
Good comparison video for those who have to rely on online stores or those without good return policy to get their gear. How does LS50 compare with Heresy III. Sitting on the fence to make my system more compact by getting a LS50 in place on my Heresy IIIs.
Kef sound more organic to me. Never thought I would even like them from everything I've heard about them. I would be curious to hear the KEFs against Monitor Audio Silver 100s
For ME personally, the Spirit Wind comes on first place. The KEF are more correct but fatiguing in the long run. The Klipsch have a bright top that’s fatiguing and you do hear that V-curve in the midrange. I have the XLS Encore’s and they are also DIY, as Spirit Wind and for me they sound much better then the KEF or Klipsch.
This demo helped me realize that I don't like sound signiture of both of these speakers. If I have to choose I think I could live(few months) with Klipsch. Kef is to forward and klipsch is to recessed. My opinion might change if I could hear these speakers in person
Is the Klipsch good for electronic music, Techno, punchy Kickbass? I have the Oberon 3 atm, great speaker but i need better kickbass. Dont know If its for reason of the speakers or if its my room or my amp (no audyssey or so)
Is it me or do the klipsch sound almost hollow, like a resonance? I own these speakers and am looking at ls50 hoping they bring a lot of what the klipsch have, but better.
The Kef have no contest better speration and stereo imaging, at least through my headphones. But their "in your face" mid-range presence sounds unnatural to my ears i.e. you know you're listening to recorded music, whereas the Klipsch have a more "live venue" vibe to them. IMO the Kef have a cleaner presentation and are technically the better speakers (though the Klipsch do an undisputably better job at reproducing the acoustic guitar); but overall I'm pretty sure I would enjoy music through the Klipsch more. Also, why no vocals ?
It's very difficult to find a song with vocals that's free for use in YT videos without record company claiming rights on all revenue the video makes (and often block it in many countries too). So I stick to free to use songs. I'll put some effort into finding a good free vocal song for future videos.
@iiWi Reviews I am surprised how effortlessly one can hear the difference in sound reproduction between speakers and even dacs (Schiit vs Topping) on RU-vid - kudos to your savoir faire.
I own the Klipsch, so I have to admit I wanted them to win. But to be honest, it really depended on the songs. Sometimes I thought the LS50’s were just hands down better, then the song would change and the Klipsch took the advantage. I guess I can be happy that I didn’t spend the money on the LS50’s, but I also lose street cred with the speaker snobs when they see my “consumer brand” speakers. 😂
Remember when listening that the Klipsch are HALF the price of the KEF's. Klipsch RP-600M US$375.00 KEF LS50 Meta US$1,600.00 Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M II US$749.00
Weird how over time the speakers became more similar. KEF have more of a horn, while klispch been dialing down the horn and doing something more like KEF's little waveguide.
Ok Without considering the price and from my headphones here (not the same as being there) the KEF has much more stage presence and the sound is much more open. Now the question is does it sound 2 times better? No. But sound wise only, there is a significant différence in my opinion. Interesting exercise but the KEF (again from here) seems a gear up vs the Kplisch.
I don't understand the point to recording music playing back on speakers being driven on electronics and in a room that are different from everyone else's here, and those same people here listening to that recording via RU-vid with its lousy compression, almost assuredly *not* over their own audio system, but over their phone speaker, and making a judgment based on all those wildly conflicting anomalies. None of that makes any sense.
This is the only relevant comment. The only way you can properly AB is in your own home with your own equipment. Making a judgement based on a RU-vid recording is quite frankly dumb.
Way more detail on the top end and wider soundstage on the KEF. You won’t know where the sound is coming from - seamless. With the Klipsch, in this comparison, slightly more balanced, with better bass. Not quite as detailed on the top end, though, and more directional in sound presentation. It won’t be as a wide a dispersion. With the KEF I don’t know. For soft finesse styles of music, great. They would not be great for harder rock or bass driven music. Too much top end. However, the openness and clarity is quite phenomenal. And a wide soundstage. I wonder about the sound becoming jumbled with hard rock. Dunno.
for sure i readed that a custumer get the bookself klipsh that he had a pair of colonn of speakers that cost 4000 euro and decided to trash his colonn for this speakers so just to say the great sound i can listen all the day never tired the sound like the sound of the sea i adopted klipsh for the rest of my live and maybe when i got home theater marrantz i will buy colonn klipsh and transform 4.0 to 5.1 or 7.1
The depth and clarity of the KEF's is much more pronounced. However, for the price, the Klipsch is an outstanding value. Bottom line, the Klipsch is the poor man's KEF.
So funny how the Klipsch manages to sound "boxier" , true to it's cabinet design, compared to the Kef that's more open and spacious, which the design seems to indicate.
I want to like the Klipsch but they sound hollow to me. I think the cabinet needs more/better bracing. If the cabinets were sturdier, they would likely sound better than the KEF.
Close, but the new Kef’s are 3 times the price of the RP 600M’s… $1500 vs less than $500 for the 600M’s. They were on sale at $479! The KEF’s are not $1k better.
Comparing the KEF LS50 to the RP-600M is like comparing a well prepared steak to a McDonalds hamburger. If you really have your heart set on the hamburger, the comparison seems reasonable!
My initial impression is: 600M sounds more exciting but log term listening can be fatiguing, the LS50 is more neutral, even then many users sold theirs(LS50) after listening to them for say 1-2 years.. My experience is that the human ears are very smart, after listening to a pair for a while they learn how they sound like then you get tired of the sound after a while. With this in mind, I build my own(DIY) so I can enjoy new sound spkrs on a regular basis. After I built a new pair and they are cheap I can tune them to my TASTE. Happy listening.
Really not that close. I'm regards to price better speakers are usuay just a marginal performance increase for usually a quite large price increase. I bet the kef q350s would outperform the rp600s too.
The KEFs seem to be the more accurate and revealing speaker, but also would become fatiguing to listen to compared to the less forward sounding Klipsch. Of course, this system might suit one speaker better than the other and all this could change by choosing components that better suited each speaker.
Based on what I heard I think that the Klipsch speakers would be fatiguing in the long run. They have an edge to them that just doesn't appeal to me. There's something else about them that doesn't sound quite right. Hard to tell listening this way but there might be a discontinuity between the upper and midrange frequencies. I'd rather have the KEFs.
